Gainesville, FL – May 8, 2026 – The Florida 4‑H Foundation and Florida 4‑H Youth Development Program are honored to introduce the 2026 Florida 4‑H Hall of Fame inductees. These remarkable individuals have shaped generations through exceptional leadership, dedicated service, and an enduring passion for the values of 4‑H.

2026 Florida 4-H Hall of Fame Inductees:

Marlene Law of Citrus County
Gladys Neely of Jefferson County
Jean Rogalsky of Pinellas County
Representative Allison Tant of Florida
Diane Whitfield of Taylor County

Five pioneers of 4-H youth development in Florida will also be posthumously recognized with membership in the Hall of Fame:

Miles E. Groover
C.K. McQuarrie
Ethel Powell
Russell Stephens
A.A. Turner

“These inductees and pioneer members have helped build the foundation on which Florida 4‑H continues to grow. Their vision and dedication have propelled our mission forward and expanded opportunities for youth statewide. Their contributions will continue to influence 4‑H for generations to come,” shared Stacey Ellison, Florida 4-H State Program Leader.

A formal induction ceremony will be held July 30, 2026, at the University of Florida to celebrate their exceptional achievements. Family, friends, alumni and members of the community are invited to join in this special event. For more information and to register visit 4HHOF26.eventbrite.com.

Meet the 2026 Inductees

Marlene Law

With more than three decades of transformative service to Citrus County 4‑H, Marlene Law has been a foundational leader, mentor, and advocate for youth. She has been pivotal in creating and sustaining the Citrus Stampede Rodeo, generating more than $300,000 for scholarships and youth programs. Her long-standing commitment to expanding educational opportunities, from STEM initiatives to countywide enrichment efforts are marked by integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication that has impacted generations and strengthened every facet of the local 4‑H program.

Gladys Neely

Gladys Neely is a retired 4-H Program Assistant and lifelong volunteer whose nearly three decades of service have shaped generations of youth in Jefferson County. Known for her tireless dedication, compassion, and hands-on teaching—especially in sewing, leadership, and life skills—Neely continues to serve as an active 4-H volunteer, exemplifying the values of the 4-H pledge. Retired county Extension director Larry Halsey recalls her loyal, hardworking and warm-hearted approach to her duties, “what she did throughout her career was admirable. But the way she did her job is what makes her exceptional and worthy of this honor.”

Jean Rogalsky

Jean Rogalsky is a retired UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Agent whose decades of service first as a 4-H parent and volunteer, and then professional with Pinellas County, impacted tens of thousands of young people through innovative, high-quality programming. Renowned for her leadership in camping, natural resources, STEM, public speaking, and community service, Rogalsky helped urban and suburban youth develop confidence, life skills, and a lasting appreciation for learning and service. Nicole Walker, Polk County Extension director, shared, “Jean may not have written the book on 4-H, but she personified every chapter and continues to contribute as a volunteer at the county, regional and state levels.”

Representative Allison Tant

Representative Allison Tant, Florida House District 9, is a steadfast advocate for Florida 4-H whose leadership and bipartisan collaboration have resulted in millions of dollars in support for youth development and community projects. She has been instrumental in securing transformational funding to revitalize historic 4-H Camp Cherry Lake in Madison, FL as a year-round outdoor learning center for ag, tech, and additional youth and workforce development programs. Her sustained efforts are helping ensure safe, high-quality experiences for youth, and investment in the future of North Florida and beyond.

Diane Whitfield

Diane Whitfield’s more than 30 years of volunteer service in Taylor County have profoundly shaped youth, families, and the community, while even saving lives. A passionate leader in 4‑H horse programs, safety education, and youth leadership development, she is widely respected for her hands-on teaching, mentorship, and commitment to helping youth build confidence, character, and life skills. It is her personal commitment to proper safety equipment that inspired both youth and adults to embrace the use of helmets in riding, preventing serious injury for riders. Additionally, her service in key advisory and foundation leadership roles has been marked by tireless advocacy for 4‑H at local and state levels.

ABOUT FLORIDA 4-H

4-H is the youth development program of the land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension System. 4-H provides hands-on educational experiences for youth ages 5 to 18 to develop youth as responsible and productive citizens with skills to thrive in life and work. In Florida, 4-H is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University.

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